Techdy Announces 'Game D' iPad Mini Controller Case - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Techdy Announces 'Game D' iPad Mini Controller Case

by

Techdy is hoping to transform the iPad mini into a dedicated gaming device with the Game D, which is both a case and a controller for the tablet. Game D fits onto the mini like a standard Apple Smart Cover, but provides a d-pad and four action buttons designed for games.

Game D is the project code name for a revolutionary Gaming Device specifically made for iPad mini. It is the most powerful yet the most portable gaming device ever made. It attaches to iPad mini magically as a gaming add-on or as a smart cover. It is designed for both portable gaming and arcade gaming. It is an open source gaming device. It opens up unlimited possibilities to all Gamers and Developers.

techdy2
The aluminum alloy Game D case can be mounted onto the back of the iPad mini with magnets to provide a controller for handheld gaming, or set on a flat surface to be used as an arcade-style platform in both landscape and portrait modes.

At this point in time, the prototype Game D is designed to work with the games that support iCade, but an open source game developer kit will be made available in the future.

Techdy is currently running its own crowdfunding campaign, offering reservations for the Game D at $39. A Pro version priced at $59 includes backlighting, dual analog thumbsticks, and vibration. If the 30-day funding campaign is successful, the developers plan on adding a joystick.


The Game D is still in prototype mode and Techdy plans to let community supporters decide on a final name, custom colors, and an app user interface design.

Reservations for the Game D can be placed on the Techdy website. Orders made during the funding period are set to ship before August 2013.

Top Rated Comments

Apple Knowledge Navigator Avatar
171 months ago
hand gestures and motion sensors seemed to be working just fine.

Nobody said they weren't. What this new accessory will provide, however, is a wealth of
more opportunities for tactile feedback.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
171 months ago
Apple might have good reasons for not having a game controller for iOS yet, but the continual push for various such controllers makes me think it would take off if there was some consistency (and clarity!) about support. On that note, it's good to see Techdy is working with iCade.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
171 months ago
Why not Kickstarter????

Because doing it this way makes it easier to scam you out of your money. :)

They are selling this for $39? How on earth can an independent company bring this to market at such a low price? Good luck to anyone who donates their money to this fantasy.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
171 months ago
My thoughts exactly?!

I'm actually intrigued by this, if I could trust them to do a good job at it, I'd really like a controller with physical buttons for my iPad mini.

I don't get why this is on some Kickstarter-clone instead of Kickstarter. Is it because they're not US based or something?

So that when they run away with the money there isn't a well-embellished US company to cover the theft. Also no chance of suing. Then again, I might be cynical.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
APlotdevice Avatar
171 months ago
hand gestures and motion sensors seemed to be working just fine.
Depends on the kind of game; For things like racing and puzzle games, sure those work fine, but for genres like platformers and fighting games you really need a d-pad and buttons.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
UnfetteredMind Avatar
171 months ago
Nice shot of the Mac SE (SE/30?) sitting there in the vid (although not connected and running). I wonder if it's older than these guys :p
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 27 on iPhone 17 1

iOS 27 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Saturday May 2, 2026 8:43 am PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, and there are already many rumored features and changes for iPhones. The first developer beta of iOS 27 will likely be available immediately following the keynote, and a public beta typically follows in July. Following beta testing, the software update should be released to all users with a compatible iPhone in...
Apple Event Logo

Apple Just Released a New Accessory

Monday May 4, 2026 8:13 am PDT by
Apple today released a new Pride Edition Sport Loop for the Apple Watch. The band features a rainbow design with 11 colors of woven nylon yarns. The new Pride Edition Sport Loop is available to order now on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app in 40mm, 42mm, and 46mm sizes, and it will be available at Apple Store locations starting later this week. In the U.S., the band costs $49. There...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

Why You Might Want to Wait to Buy a MacBook Pro

Friday May 1, 2026 3:43 pm PDT by
Apple refreshed the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max models in March 2026, but depending on your needs and interests, you might want to skip this generation because there's something better in the works. The M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models have faster chips, but the same design that Apple has used since 2021. An updated design with new display technology and faster ...